Sancho Panza. . .

I wanted some time to flesh out my explanations for my adjusted ballot (the results of which should not come as a surprise to anyone), but as was pointed out to me, dragging this thing out hurts the league.

As I stated before in one response or another, while I may not always understand Havelock's decisions, I respect him as commissioner of the league.

Therefore, here is my REVOTE:

Gold Glove SS: Dave Sommers (Respect and sympathy for Phil aside). Dave truly deserves the Gold Glove this year.

MVP:
1: Ian Parfrey
2: Derek Martinez
3: Alex Rivera

RATIONALE: Alex's hitting, fielding and running (he's faster than me, by alot, no question) is nothing short of sick. But he's up against two really really good pitchers. So it's a two horse race.

Derek had a great season. He led the league in Slg (higher than Brian Hernandez!), rbis and slg. He struck out more guys than Ian. He had the most extra base hits. He tied (with Ian) for the league lead in runs. I'm forgetting something aren't I? Something about HRs (Even though the HRs were Dobbs Ferry aided). Bah, I guess it isn't that important :).
Few would complain if Derek won the MVP. In fact, if the award were based *entirely* on statistics, especially hitting statistics perhaps I should vote for Derek.

Ian's stats are nothing to sneeze at, though. Most hits. Most triples. Better OBP (though slightly lower average) than Derek. He was also (statistically and I would say observably) the better pitcher this year. Most pitching wins. Best winning percentage (for pitching). Lowest WHIP.

And he finished 2nd in too many (hitting) categories to list, though I will mention that he was tied for 2nd for the pennant. That's important later.

But the MVP is awarded for performance not purely statistics. So what separates a great hitting year And if his season was a performance, I say he put on a pretty good show. He got more ABs and played more games than anyone last year. More than Havelock. That was partly because he was helping to organize the games (Weather, location, getting enough players). He also does all the peripheral stuff that makes the game go: managing the lineup, defensive substitutions, umping etc. he must be good at it, too, because he wins some games that look absolutely ridiculously lopsided the other way.

Heck, he even keeps the ridiculous amount of statistics that we ask him to track. AND he comes up with more things for the numbers minded people (like me) to think about. Before you call shenanigans on that, know that when there is no clear 2nd or 3rd place player, I've voted for Gil and Havelock in other years. While they are not statistically superior, they are immensely 'valuable.' And at least I'm consistent.

COMMENTS: Would it have helped if I had stated that while I did vote for people I liked, I don't get ridiculous with it? That I was exaggerating a bit because I enjoyed writing it? Because I don't vote for people who clearly have no business getting the award (I never would nominate myself for MVP for instance). Other than the names I have mentioned, the only other people I can remember ever voting for MVP are Phil, Carl and Zach. And if my opinions about showing up and contributions outside the white line are off, it's because I had no business winning the ROY in 2004, from a statistical perspective. Paul Grabowski. . . had to look up the name to remember. . . who was also a great guy, had a FAR better season hitting and fielding.

Besides, in a democratic process, weird stuff happens. Deserving people lose. Bush gets elected. Twice.

I could make some comment about how this league is supposed to be about love of the game, or about the ballot, but honestly, you're all intelligent people, you've probably heard what I would say before and I don't care that much about looking smart or being right. (Oh wait there is something: I was NOT drunk at the meeting. Drinking while watching your child is completely irresponsible and I was upset at Havelock for suggesting it). Or looking smart :). I just try to say what I think and have a good time. I will say THIS incident further proves that I have no business having a Facebook or Twitter account.

Let's just call it a day, and play some softball, soon.
Hope everyone (especially Havelock, Ian and Derek) have a wonderful weekend.